Supervisor: Dr. Patrick T. Martone (Botany Department, University of British Columbia)
Applications are invited for a two-year post-doctoral fellowship (PDF) focused on the diversity and functional ecology of coralline algae in the NE Pacific. CONTEXT Coralline algae are important components of nearshore marine communities worldwide, competing for primary substrate, creating habitat, and affecting patterns of algal and invertebrate recruitment. Unfortunately, our understanding of coralline algal ecology has been severely limited by our inability to identify and differentiate species, which exhibit simple and often convergent morphologies. By basing identifications on DNA sequences, recent work has demonstrated that coralline communities are far more diverse than previously thought and that coralline species differ widely in physiological and ecological performance. For example, contrary to the current paradigm, the uniform “coralline pavement” that emerges within heavily grazed urchin barrens represents a collection of cryptic coralline species, dominated by a few winners and missing several species found in kelp forests. The PDF researcher will help clarify the performance of individual coralline species and the responses of coralline communities to disturbance in order to gain insight into the functioning and recovery of kelp forests. FELLOWSHIP Supervised by Dr. Patrick Martone (UBC Botany), core research efforts will include: (1) reciprocal transplants and lab manipulations of natural coralline communities across gradients of herbivory and environmental stress to document species resilience, clarify competitive hierarchies, and characterize shifts in community composition, and (2) lab experiments on the recruitment of invertebrates and algal spores to individual coralline species. Research will be conducted in association with the Hakai Institute (https://www.hakai.org), with fieldwork based primarily on Calvert Island and lab studies primarily on Quadra Island. The Hakai Institute is a rich environment of scientists and researchers, and the fellow will help strengthen collaborations with other Hakai researchers on coralline microbes, response to climate change, and recruitment. This is a limited term, two-year PDF position paid at a rate of $55,000 CAD per year plus Mandatory Employment Related Benefits with an opportunity for renewal given satisfactory performance and funding availability. We are looking for a candidate who has completed a PhD within the last five years and who shows evidence of strong quantitative skills, experimental design, and expertise in some aspect of marine field ecology. Scientific diving certification and experience is preferred. Experience studying coralline algal physiology, ecology, or species diversity is also preferred. Abilities to work independently, meet regular milestones, and communicate in English are essential. To apply, please send a cover letter, CV, and examples of 2 research papers to Dr. Patrick Martone by email (pmart...@mail.ubc.ca). Your cover letter should address your interest in the project and the skills and experience you can bring to the work. Preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Review of applications will start on 4 January 2019, and we hope to fill the position for a start date of 1 March 2019. UBC hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We especially welcome applications from visible minority group members, women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.
